Athletic Training

Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and intervention of emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations and disabilities. Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a healthcare profession. Specifically, the certified athletic trainer has demonstrated knowledge and skill in five practice domains.

Athletic Training at the University of Miami is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and currently offers a Bachelor of Science Athletic Training degree within the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences in the School of Education and Human Development.

Students who successfully complete the Athletic Training degree are eligible to sit for the Athletic Training Board of Certification exam (BOC). Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) are highly educated and skilled medical professionals that specialize in athletic health care such as prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. As part of a complete healthcare team, the Certified Athletic Trainer works under the direction of a physician and in cooperation with other healthcare professionals.

Thus, the overall objectives of the ATEP are to educate the students in the following Athletic Training practice domains:

Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection – Students identify injury, illness, and risk factors associated with participation in sport and implement all components of a comprehensive injury prevention program.

Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis – Students conduct a thorough initial clinical evaluation of injuries and illnesses commonly sustained by the patient and formulate an impression of the injury and or illness for the primary purposes of administering first aid or making appropriate referrals to physicians for diagnosis and medical treatment.

Immediate and Emergency Care – Students provide appropriate first aid and emergency care for acute injures according to accepted standards and refers injured or all participants to appropriate personnel for evaluation, diagnosis and follow up care.

Treatment and Rehabilitation – Students plan and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation and or reconditioning program for injuries and illnesses sustained by the patient.

Organizational and Professional Health and Well-being – Students plan, coordinate and supervise all administrative components of an athletic training program and address legal issues pertaining to the Athletic Training profession.